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Wolves Power Rankings: Top of the Wolves tree gets a shake-up

By Jake Paynting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 3: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate on the court against the LA Clippers on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 3: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tyus Jones #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Gorgui Dieng #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate on the court against the LA Clippers on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 3: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game LA Clippers on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 3: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game LA Clippers on December 3, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Jimmy Butler (1)

Season stats: 36.7 MPG – 18.9 PPG – 5.3 RPG – 4.6 APG – 44.9% FG – 37.5% 3PT – 83.6%FT

Weekly stats: 38.4 MPG – 24.2 PPG – 4.8 RPG – 5.8 APG – 47.7% FG – 36% 3PT – 90.9% FT

For the first 15 games of the season, Timberwolves and NBA fans alike knew that Jimmy Butler was getting it done defensively and playmaking wise, but they were wondering if Jimmy still got buckets.

Related Story: Tyus led offense means playmaking Jimmy Butler

Well, ladies and gentleman, I’m here to tell you that Jimmy does indeed get buckets.

Over the last 10 games, Butler has exploded into the leading role in Minnesota, averaging 23 points per game on 49.7 percent shooting and 40 percent from 3-point land along with 4.5 assists and 2.1 steals per contest.

This power rankings week, despite the expected drop in shooting percentages, Butler raised his scoring to over 24 per game while dishing out 5.8 helpers a night in that span. Leaving no chance for anyone to take his top spot in the rankings.

Opposing wing defenders, the Butler will serve you now.

Jimmy showed his true alpha male prowess in the win over the Clippers in Minnesota, dragging the Timberwolves to a six point win by scoring 20 of his season-high 33 points in an amazing fourth quarter.

Buckets finished the week with another 30 points on 11-20 shooting against Memphis, along with 4 swipes and 5 dimes.

It seems Jimmy Butler has made up his mind to become a takeover type scorer for the Timberwolves, and with a team of players who have struggled to find a rhythm in the end of games, it’s a great sign.

Next: Tom Thibodeau is playing his starters just enough

More power to your (shooting) arm Jimmy G. Buckets.

Tune in next week to see the movers and shakers in the weekly Timberwolves power rankings!

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